A weekend wedding in the bush I Malelane Bush Lodge, Malelane, Mpumalanga I Cheska and Human

Cheska and Human got married on their beautiful family farm just outside the little farming town of Malelane, Mpumalanga a mere 80km from the Mozambican border. Her Uncle and his family live in the farm house, originally built by Percy Fitzpatrick (author of Jock Of The Bushveld), which overlooks the majestic Crocodile River and the Krüger Park and is surrounded by rolling fields of sugarcane and pawpaw and mango plantations. We were spoilt, as were all the guests, with wonderful accommodation at Cheska's grandmothers old-world "bush hotel", Buhala Lodge which was conveniently located next to her uncles property and blessed with the same spectacular view of the river.

There was so much to love about Cheska and Human's wedding - from the sweet hand painted 'Eat More Cake' tote bag filled with treats that we received on our arrival, to the awesome golden 'Big 5' animal favours that brought the bush to the table decor. The elegant stationary by Seven Swans. We loved the couples amazing family who welcomed us with open arms. We spotted wildlife from the balcony of the hotel, and heard the wildest stories of close encounters with water buffalo and elephants. We had our very own close encounter with a group of hippo during sundowners with guests down by the river bank, although we seemed to be the only ones concerned about it and all was well in the end.

We were reminded of why the African bush is synonymous with romance and adventure. Why those who visit or are lucky enough to have grown up there are forever in love with it - it's just a spectacular, truly wild and uniquely beautiful place that grips the heart forever. A more fitting place to have a wedding celebration would be hard to find.